Shillong, July 31: Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma said that he is in the process of reviewing a request made by Voice of the People Party legislator Adelbert Nongrum to not accept his suspension order, citing that it was not addressed to him as an MLA.
Nongrum’s contention is that the suspension order, which was addressed simply as “Adelbert Nongrum, Jaiaw Shillong,” does not mention his MLA rank.
He argues that this could lead to confusion, as there might be other individuals with the same name living in Jaiaw. Nongrum emphasizes that he is still a constitutionally elected representative of his people.
Sangma has referred the matter to the legal department and the Advocate General of the state for examination.
While Sangma acknowledges that some people might agree with Nongrum’s argument, he notes that the suspension order’s validity in court is questionable due to its lack of specificity.
“I am still examining it. I have referred to the legal department and also to the advocate general of our state,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Asked, the Speaker said, “Some may agree with Adelbert Nongrum also because his suspension order without mentioning him as MLA or addressing him as MLA may not carry in the court of law. Technically, it seems very vague.”
Sangma emphasizes that he has only been notified of the suspension and cannot comment on the political party’s decision.
“That is for the political party concerned I cannot comment on that and I will not say they should suspend or they should not suspend it will not be appropriate for me to comment on that,” he added.
Nongrum was suspended by the VPP for three years in March for alleged anti-party activities.
